Finding superyacht roles in Cowes
Where to train, what the rules say and what crew earn. UKSA runs its yacht courses in West Cowes.
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Yacht courses at UKSA in West Cowes
STCW Basic Safety Training
Five days. Course only is GBP 850 and residential is GBP 1,050. Listed dates include 23 November and 7 December 2026.
Superyacht Deckhand Training
21 days. The price includes accommodation and meals. The course covers RYA Powerboat Level 2, Personal Survival Techniques and Short Range Radio.
Superyacht Steward Training
23 days. Accommodation and three daily meals are included. The course covers housekeeping, food and beverage service and STCW Basic Safety Training.
UKSA contact and career support
Certificates and work rules
STCW Basic Safety
UKSA says this is the legal minimum for commercial work on vessels over 24 metres, including superyachts. A certificate is valid for 5 years.
ENG1 medical
UKSA says the ENG1 is required to work on yachts over 24 m. It is not a pre-requisite for the STCW course.
Working in the UK
The UK government says a Standard Visitor can stay up to 6 months for certain business activities if no UK organisation or client pays them. You need a work visa for any other paid or unpaid work. Check the rules for your passport.
Crew pay by yacht size
| Role | 45 to 50 m | 70 m and over |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | EUR 9,000 to 12,000 | EUR 15,000+ |
| First Officer | EUR 4,500 to 6,000 | EUR 7,000+ |
| Chief Engineer | EUR 7,000 to 9,500 | EUR 8,500+ |
| Chef | EUR 5,500 to 6,500 | EUR 8,000+ |
| Bosun / 2nd Mate | EUR 3,200 to 4,000 | EUR 5,000+ |
| Chief Stew / Purser | EUR 2,800 to 4,000 | EUR 3,000+ |
| Deckhand | EUR 2,800 to 3,500 | EUR 3,000+ |
| Stew | EUR 2,200 to 2,500 | EUR 2,200 to 2,500 |
UKSA salary guide 2025, in EUR. The guide does not state the pay period and is not specific to Cowes.
Sources. Checked 8 November 2026.
- Cowes Harbour Commission: superyachts
- Cowes Harbour Commission: Shepards Marina
- Cowes Harbour Commission: moorings
- Cowes Harbour Commission: fuel berth
- Cowes Harbour Commission: boatyard and storage
- Cowes Harbour Commission: anchorages
- Cowes Harbour Commission: arrivals from outside the UK
- Cowes Harbour Commission: public landings
- Cowes Harbour Commission: Trinity Landing works
- Cowes Harbour Commission: water taxis
- Cowes Harbour Commission: getting around
- Cowes Harbour Commission: things to do
- Cowes Week
- Cowes Yacht Haven
- Cowes Yacht Haven: contact
- UKSA: STCW Basic Safety Training
- UKSA: Superyacht Deckhand Training
- UKSA: Superyacht Steward Training
- UKSA: contact
- UKSA superyacht salary guide
- GOV.UK: Visit on business
- Met Office: Southampton, Mayflower Park averages
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